ABOUT US

Worship Style

First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is traditional in its style of worship, but progressive and open when it comes to theological perspective. We're committed to practicing a faith that honors both the heart and the mind. In other words, all seekers are welcome, including those who might be recovering from a lousy experience with organized religion. We don't pressure people. Nor do we try to "cram religion down anyone's throat." In the true spirit of Jesus, we offer welcome, love and respect. While we take the Bible seriously at First Church, we don't necessarily take it literally. In other words, we try to interpret the scriptures in a way that make sense in our contemporary world.

Community

First Church is committed to being an inspiring, welcoming, serving and fully functioning Christian community. We celebrate the rich diversity of our church and are committed to the ideal that our beautiful Gothic cathedral is a house of prayer for all people.

Congregationalism

As a "Congregational" church, we are grateful for our heritage that reaches all the way back to the original Mayflower Pilgrims. And as the oldest Protestant church in the city of Los Angeles, we celebrate that we are committed to the values of an ecumenical faith and interfaith dialogue.

Congregational churches (in many ways similar in style and tone to a Methodist, Episcopal or Presbyterian church) always place the emphasis on the following . . .

• The congregation is self-governing and not controlled by a larger, denominational structure. Trustees and Deacons, elected by the congregation, provide leadership for our church.
• Ordinary members have a right (and responsibility) to participate fully in the life of the church, and every Christian has a contribution to make toward the ministry of the congregation.
• Some Congregational churches are part of the denomination, the United Church of Christ, while others, including First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, are part of the National Association of Congregational Churches. All, however, are Congregational churches.
• Every member of a Congregational church has a right to pursue his or her own faith in good conscience; which means that there is a wonderful diversity of theological thought in our congregation. While we indeed share a unity around the central affirmation that in Jesus Christ we have learned that God is a God of love and grace, there is also a healthy presence of diversity on various issues of the faith.

Art

The arts really inform our faith here. The architecture of our building is stunningly beautiful. Sometimes just sitting quietly in our Sanctuary is a moment of inspiration. We're home to the world's largest church pipe organ, and in a word, the music is fabulous. Every Sunday it is fabulous! We think (though we're a little biased) that our church choir is the best in the city. And our church is also home to some wonderful works of art, stained glass windows and sculpture.

Additionally, we utilize poetry, literature, works of art as elements in our worship, in addition to hosting writers, poets, book talks, and a myriad of other cultural events for our congregation and community.

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SENIOR MINISTER

Dr. R. Scott Colglazier

The Rev. Dr. R. Scott Colglazier is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A native of Indiana, Dr. Colglazier has served a number of churches throughout his career, most notably University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, the second largest congregation of his denomination.

During his nearly decade long tenure as Senior Minister, Dr. Colglazier led the church through a period of outstanding membership growth, expanded programming and financial stewardship. While there he provided strategic planning leadership for a multi-million dollar renovation and building project. Most recently, Dr. Colglazier served the famed Riverside Church in New York City where he served as Interim Chief Program Minister and Head of Staff.

He is the author of several books, including his most recent work "The Winter Name for God." His work as a religious leader has been featured on CNN, The Today Show, and The CBS Morning Show, as well as in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The New York Times. He is married to Marti (Sweeney) Colglazier who is a public school administrator. They have three children, Matthew (27), Drew (25) and Kathryn (24).

STAFF

Dr. R. Scott Colglazier

Senior Minister
As Senior Minister, Dr. Colglazier functions as the CEO of our organization. He oversees the planning and implementation of worship and service details and serves as officiant for weekly and special worship services. In addition, Dr. Colglazier represents First Church to the greater community at large through his writings, interviews and public appearances.

Mr. S. Wayne Foster

Organist in Residence
Mr. Foster plays the Great Organs for most weekly and special services, and accompanies the Cathedral Choir in rehearsal and performance. In addition to planning and playing weekly Midday Organ Concerts, he also is involved with planning the annual Organ Concert Series, as well as the Los Angeles Bach Festival.

Ms. Jennifer Graffius

Associate Minister and Chaplain of Pilgrim School
As Associate Minister at First Church, and Chaplain of Pilgrim School, Ms. Graffius oversees our First Kids First program, and leads weekly chapel at Pilgrim School.

Ms. Jade Hornbaker

Music Department Coordinator
Ms. Hornbaker handles the day-to-day operations of the Music Department of First Church, providing administrative support to the Director of Music and the Organist in Residence. She also maintains music department mailing lists and gives administrative support for the Organ Concert Series as well as the Los Angeles Bach Festival.

Ms. Kim-Minh Huberwald

Director of Communications
In addition to designing all advertising campaigns and publications for First Church, Ms. Huberwald edits The Meetinghouse, coordinates PR and website contractors, and works closely with Dr. Colglazier on the look and the message of First Church.

Ms. Nancy Huddleston

Wedding & Liturgical Manager
Ms. Huddleston is the church liaison responsible for coordinating all aspects of weddings that take place at First Church. She also oversees and coordinates set-up and technical aspects of weekly and special worship services, receptions and events.

Ms. Jaebon Hwang

Organ Scholar
Under the supervision of the Organist in Residence, Ms. Hwang is occasionally featured as an accompanist to solos or choral pieces, and plays worship services when neither the Organist in Residence nor the Assistant Organist are available. She also plays the Great Organs for Pilgrim School all-school chapel services.

Ms. Andrea Johnson

Facilities Coordinator
Ms. Johnson supports the Facilities Department, including coordinating space reservations, scheduling vendors, ordering supplies, maintaining key inventories, maintaining vans, and maintaining FCCLA’s Master Calendar. She provides direct support to the Facilities Manager.

Rev. Dae Jung

Associate Minister
In his capacity as Associate Minister at First Church, Rev. Jung leads the Young Adult fellowship group, Korean American fellowship, social justice outreach, recruitment for New Membership Classes and participates as a liturgist in our weekly worship services.

Ms. Susan Leary

Chief Administrative Officer
Ms. Leary serves as Chief Administrative Office for our organization, overseeing Finance, Facilities and Human Resources. Ms. Leary works closely with lay leaders to provide support to ministries and programs.

Ms. Toi Mukai

Church Financial Administrator
As Church Financial Administrator, Ms. Mukai manages the day-to-day finances of First Church, which includes the tracking of donations and pledges and processing bill payment.

Dr. Pieter Noomen

Associate Minister / Minister of Visitation
As Associate Minister/Minister of Visitation, Dr. Noomen visits homebound members of our congregation, as well as others who are ill or in need of pastoral care. He also participates as a liturgist in our weekly worship services.

Mr. Jose Reyes

Director of Technology
Mr. Reyes serves as Director of Technology for both First Church and Pilgrim School. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing issues related to computers, internet connectivity, phone systems and Audio/Visual equipment for activities related to the church and school.

Mr. Curtis Rhodes

Executive Assistant to the Senior Minister
Mr. Rhodes is responsible for providing executive support to the Senior Minister, as well as coordinating activities for the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, Church Council and partnerships outside of First Church as they relate to the Senior Minister. He also functions as part of the Communications Team.

Mr. Thomas Hunter Russell

Assistant Organist
In addition to playing for various weddings and memorial/funeral services, Mr. Russell substitutes for the Organist in Residence when called upon, playing for morning worship services.

Mr. Brandon Schneider

Layout Production Coordinator
Mr. Schneider updates and produces First Church's printed collateral. He also provides administrative support to the Director of Communications and maintains the FCCLA website.

Dr. Jonathan Talberg

Director of Music / Artistic Director for Los Angeles Bach Festival
As Director of Music for First Church, Dr. Talberg conducts the Cathedral Choir, works with ministerial staff to plan music for weekly and special services. Additionally, Dr. Talberg oversees the artistic planning of the Los Angeles Bach Festival, conducting the Los Angeles Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra in yearly concerts.

Mr. Fernando Vargas

Facilities Manager
Mr. Vargas oversees all building and grounds issues for First Church and Pilgrim School. In his capacity as Facilities Manager, he also oversees maintenance staff in day-to-day operations, as well as managing special building projects.

Ms. Raven Woods

Human Resources Coordinator
Ms. Woods coordinates all aspects of human resources, including employee relations, payroll, training and development, benefits, compensation, hiring and recruiting. She is responsible for maintaining all employee records and provides support to the Chief Administrative Officer.

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LAYGROUPS

Board of Deacons

The Board of Deacons assists in all liturgical services throughout the year. If you are interested in joining the Board of Deacons, please contact Edward Delap, Chair of the Deacons, at ehdelap@aol.com, or submit a letter of interest to the Deacons.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meets monthly and is responsible for overseeing financial and operational business of the congregation. If you are interested in joining the Board of Trustees, please submit a letter of interest to Thomas Hunter Russell, Chair of the Trustees.

Church Council

The Church Council is made up of representatives from all of the various boards and committees of the church. If you are interested in being a part of the Church Council, please tell the committee(s) or board(s) that you belong to that you would like to be nominated to be a representative.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild arranges for flower and candle dedications at every Sunday worship service. They also decorate the Sanctuary for all of the major holidays. If you would like to join the Altar Guild, please submit a letter of interest to them at the First Church Office.

Woman's Association

This dedicated and friendly group of women and men offers fellowship and volunteer opportunities, as well as providing outreach to people in our community who are in need. They gather for monthly luncheons and programs, October through December, and February through June. Guests are welcome. Membership dues are $7 per year. If you are interested in attending the monthly luncheons, please call the church for current schedule and to make your reservations.

Ushers

The Ushers report to the Board of Deacons and help with the Sunday worship service. They assist people in finding seating, distribute worship bulletins and collect the weekly offering.s

Cedar Lake Camp Committee

The Cedar Lake Camp Committee plans and monitors issues and activities related to Cedar Lake Camp, such as budget, Work-Out Weekend and the All Church Family Retreat. The main core of this committee is made up from members of the Board of Trustees. If you would like to be part of the Cedar Lake Camp Committee, please submit a letter of interest to the Chair of the Cedar Lake Camp Committee or to the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee works with the Senior Minister and Music staff to plan special worship services. They also meet to discuss themes and ideas for liturgical seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Building and Grounds Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee makes decisions concerning the building, renovation projects, and artwork placement within the facility. If you are interested in being involved with the Building and Grounds Committee, please submit a letter of interest to the Church Office.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting new members, as well as helping with new member orientations throughout the year. The chair of the Membership Committee is always a Deacon, but anyone can be involved in the committee. If you are interested please submit a letter of interest to the Church Office.

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PROGRAMS

First Kids First

Combining art, music, dance and drama with spiritual enrichment, this vibrant program for children takes place on Sunday mornings during our worship service. Each week, kids grades pre-K through 5 have the opportunity to engage their creative selves as they explore Bible stories and lessons in a fun and dynamic way. Registration begins at 10:45 am at the Welcome Table. For more information, contact Rev. Dae Jung at 213.355.5232

Adult Faith Development

Oftentimes, some of our best learning experiences come from lively, thoughtful discussion. Join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 am for this Bible study class that examines various facets of spirituality and theology and how these aspects can relate to our lives today. Classes are led by members of our ministerial staff.

Discovery Series

Southern California has so much to offer that many of us never take the time to explore its treasures. Open to people of all ages, our Discover Series is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and fun as we go to museums, concerts, plays and a wide variety of special events right here in our own backyard. Outings are generally scheduled monthly. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Bower at 213.355.5235

Young Adult Group

Our Young Adult Group is a fellowship group for folks in their 20s and 30s. We gather for meals, parties, wine tastings, service opportunities, concerts and camaraderie. Always fun, always entertaining, this group is an excellent way to be connected with the life of First Church. For more information, contact Rev. Dae Jung at 213.355.5232

Book Talk

This is an open and ongoing group that generally meets once monthly. Led by our Senior Minster, Dr. R. Scott Colglazier, this group meets after church to share a light meal, as well as thoughts and ideas about that month's book selection chosen by Dr. Colglazier. Books are made available for purchase several weeks prior to this gathering and all are welcome to participate in the enlightening conversation. For more information, contact Curtis Rhodes at 213.355.5231

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Commonwealth Elementary School

215 South Commonwealth Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90004

We've adopted Commonwealth Elementary, the closest public school to First Church, as one of our community outreach opportunities. Besides the financial help we're able to provide them, we've involved the congregation in several efforts for the students of Commonwealth. First Church has hosted school supply drives and Christmas gift programs in accordance with the children's need at Commonwealth. We're looking forward to expanding our involvement with them in the future.

Hollygrove

www.hollygrove.org

Escalating Need

• According to the Children's Defense Fund, a child in California is abused or neglected every 4 minutes.
• In Los Angeles County alone, 900,000 children live in poverty.
• Of the 100,000 foster children in California, 35,000 are in LA County.
• Public funding does not cover the complex needs of abused and at-risk children and families.

For 127 years, Hollygrove has been dedicated to helping children and
families achieve permanency and well-being.

Los Angeles Hollygrove
815 N. El Centro Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
T. 323.463.2119

Downtown Women's Center

www.dwcweb.org

Our Center

The mission of the Downtown Women's Center is to provide permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.

Founded in 1978, the Downtown Women's Center (DWC) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides 40,000 meals, 47 permanent supportive housing apartments, and a wide array of health, education, and other supportive services to more than 2000 homeless and very low-income women each year. The Center meets our mission by offering a warm, friendly atmosphere that encourages homeless women to commit to their own betterment and healing process. Our supportive community and much-needed resources allow homeless women to reconnect with their sense of self, reclaim goals lost in the day-to-day struggle for survival on the streets, and move toward self-sufficiency. In the local Skid Row community, the Downtown Women's Center is the only resource that is exclusively for and singularly dedicated to serving the unique needs of this population.

DWC is committed to providing every individual woman with the personal support she needs in order to acknowledge her self-worth and dignity. Each woman is cared for and treated with a high level of respect. The Center is nationally recognized as a prototype for unique and effective programs serving homeless women.

Established in 1978, DWC operates out of two beautifully renovated, adjoining buildings located at:

325 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
T. 213.680.0600

The Day Center:
Meals and a wide array of resources for homeless women on a drop-in basis.

The Residence:
47 single unit apartments providing permanent, affordable, supportive housing to formerly homeless women.

In addition to providing a safe, supportive environment and nutritious meals on a daily basis, DWC offers a wide range of programs and services, including case management, healthcare, literacy, and arts workshops. Because we care for the whole woman, DWC strives to create a warm, respectful, and supportive community for all who walk through our doors. The DWC community enjoys a variety of social activities, including outings, monthly themed birthday parties led by the volunteer-run Birthday Guild, and holiday celebrations.

Union Rescue Mission

www.urm.org

Mission Statement

We embrace people experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Christ — giving hope and healing for a changed life — helping them find their way home.

• By Embrace we mean to welcome, to encircle with our arms.
• By Compassion we mean to love and touch others, as Christ loved us.
• By Hope we mean providing encouragement and resources for a new start.
• By Healing we mean being restored in body, mind, and spirit through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• By Changed Life we mean going in a new direction and to realize our God-given purpose.
• By Home we mean having the opportunity to earn a living, secure housing, and be a healthy family again.

Hope-Net

www.hope-net.info

In 1988 twelve area congregations founded Hope-Net to address the hunger and homeless needs in the Wilshire Center area of Los Angeles. Hope-Net continues that mission today.

Living among the great wealth of Los Angeles, many fail to see the mammoth and increasing needs of many in our midst. For the economically poor in our area — Wilshire Center, Koreatown, Rampart and beyond — Hope-Net food pantries and meal programs are the primary sources of emergency food. Since our beginning we have served over 1 million persons and last year alone we served over 110,000 persons.

In 1996 Hope-Net founded Hope West Apartments to provide excellent, 3-bedroom apartment units for 17 low income families. Hope-Net also operates its Hope Chest thrift store, both as a means of serving the needy in our community and as a source of financial support for the agency. Though continually striving to expand services — housing, hot meals, providing additional household and personal items for the needy — Hope-Net remains committed to the neighborhood and our neighbors in need.

Guided by our dedicated Board of Directors and sustained through the tireless efforts of many dedicated volunteers at our eight food pantries and supported by an excellent and committed staff, Hope-Net touches lives daily and offers hope and opportunities to thousands of individuals and families.

We encourage your involvement and suggestions.

~ Douglas G. Ferraro

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